Sammy

It was a very sad day for all of us yesterday as we said goodbye to our Sammy dog. He had been having problems with his hips for some time but finally reached the point even with medication, that he became unable to walk or stand. It happened so quickly that I really still can't believe that he's gone. We will all miss him for a very very long time.

Sammy was gentle and patient and loving - not only to us, his family, but to others as well. Earlier in his life, he regularly visited an Alzheimer's community every day as he accompanied me to work. Patients there quickly adopted him as their own and even some who had already surrendered to Alzheimer's their ability to speak were able to say, "Good dog.....good dog...." when he would gently place his chin in their lap.

After I quit working there, the Alzheimer's community continued to ask for Sammy's help. They would send their activities bus up to our house to collect Sammy. He became excited and happy when he would see the bus pull up into our driveway and would bound out the door and hop in the bus amid the resident's happy greetings and pats.

Each time we adopted a new puppy or kitten, Sammy was sweet and tolerant to each new family member. When Maggie was a teething puppy, she found Sammy's front legs tasty. And although he would vocalize his complaints, he would never growl or snarl as Mags chomped away on him. When one leg became too sore, he would offer her the other.

As I became disabled due to autoimmune disease, Sammy an invaluable ally. He was my constant companion, giving love and support expecting nothing but my proximity in return. He knew when I needed him the most.

I hope that he knows how much we all loved him. Thanks for sharing the last fourteen years with us, our dear Sammy whammy bammy hammy. We were blessed to have had those years with you.